Speed limit for tractors to rise

Transport and travel news

Published:15:48Tuesday 17 February 2015

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The Government has announced an increase in the speed limit for agricultural vehicles from 20 to 25mph.

The change, which is set to come into force on March 9, was confirmed last week by Transport Minister Claire Perry. The maximum combined weight of a tractor and trailer is also to increase from 24.39 tonnes to 31 tonnes.

The CLA, which represents thousands of farmers, landowners, and rural businesses across the eastern region, welcomed the news and that the Government is to consider increasing the speed limit and weight restrictions further in time for harvest 2016.

CLA East regional director Ben Underwood said: “It is good to see a burden on the efficiency of agricultural businesses being removed in order to improve the competitiveness of our farmers. The changes more appropriately reflect the capabilities of modern agricultural machinery and bring the UK in line with our competitors in other EU member states.

“It is worth noting as well that these changes will also go a long way towards making our rural roads safer by potentially reducing the amount of overtaking that takes place.

“We will press for further changes, especially related to the weight limit for heavier trailers. It is time to make sure the law reflects the major advance in scale and sophistication of agricultural machinery that has taken place over the years.”